A Message That Builds Up

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Praise Builds Up

Acts 20:28-35 (The Message)
 ²⁸"Now it's up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God's people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for.
 ^29-31"I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.
 ³²"Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.
 ^33-35"I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I've done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'

For Reflection
All who have been transformed in the Kingdom of God are ministers of the gospel.  We are the product of Jeremiah's prophecy. "I (God) will put my law within them--write it on their hearts...  wipe the slate clean for each of them...a brand-new covenant." (Jer. 31:31-34)  Each of us, ordinary people, have recieved the grace of God and tasked to pass on the good news by word and deed. 

Pray
that in the midst of ordinary people, God will be inescapably visible.  Pray that you will protect the relationships you make with all people as an example of the living God and venue for the grace of God to work miracles.